The Gold Coast Tourism Corporation Limited (GCT) Board has announced today that Mr Martin Winter CEO has informed the company of his intention to resign in 2018 after more than 10 years in the role.

“We are deeply grateful to Martin for his outstanding leadership of GCT and the development of the Gold Coast as a visitor destination during his tenure,” said GCT Chairman Paul Donovan.

“Over this period, visitor numbers have increased by more than 2.5 million annually, and for the last year alone, we have seen a record 3.95 million domestic overnight visitors and a record high of 1.056 million international visitors, directly generating over $5 billion into the local economy.”

During his tenure Mr Winter has developed the strategies and plans for the promotion of the city domestically and internationally, including oversight of the highly successful Famous for Fun brand and the We Are Destination Gold Coastbrand platform, which has received wide acclaim as a versatile and effective driver for the rapidly evolving city.

“Over the past decade the Gold Coast has firmly established itself as the leading holiday destination in Australia, and in an increasingly mobile and connected world, GCT is poised for even greater things in the coming years,” said Mr Winter.

“Following the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games there could no better time for me to hand off to the next generation of leadership.

“None of the success that we have enjoyed would have been possible without the encouragement and support from the Board, the GCT team and our members. I would also like to recognise the value of the positive collaboration we enjoy with our key industry stakeholders, particularly the City of Gold Coast, Tourism and Events Queensland and Tourism Australia.”

The Board has commenced an international search to recruit Mr Winter’s successor. The timing of Mr Winter’s handover will be determined once an appointment has been made and an orderly transition plan devised.